Gor Mahia captain Philemon Otieno presenting the FKF PL trophy to President William Ruto. PHOTO/https://www.facebook.com/GorMahiafcofficial/photos
Gor Mahia’s official visit to State House on Sunday, June 7, 2026, saw the club present their newly won Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League title, a triumph that has now translated into financial rewards for K’Ogalo.
During the event at State House, President Ruto acknowledged the club’s immense contribution to the Kenyan football landscape. He also pledged an individual reward of KSh 100,000 for each player and member of the technical bench.
However, the occasion was also highlighted by a solemn plea delivered to the head of state, with club chairman Ambrose Rachier and skipper Philemon Otieno leading the team’s appeals.
Otieno, the veteran captain, delivered a well-crafted speech, imploring the president to recognise the new league champions’ achievements in whatever way he could.
“Your Excellency, on behalf of my teammates, the staff, and the entire Gor Mahia fraternity here today, I want to thank you for hosting us at State House,” he said.
“We deeply appreciate your continued support for sports development across Kenya; your commitment has not gone unnoticed, and it gives us confidence that Kenyan sports are on the rise. Your government is doing a lot in putting up sports facilities, and we request that you do even more across the nation. Furthermore, as Gor Mahia prepares for the CAF.”
Ruto during the visit of Gor Mahia at State House. PHOTO/https://web.facebook.com/GorMahiafcofficial
“Champions League, we request your financial support. Carrying the national flag comes with great responsibility and cost, and your backing will boost our morale to fly the flag high.
“Finally, Your Excellency, in the spirit of recognising excellence, we know you can always perform wonders and even surprise the birds out there. We have record champions here, and you have always rewarded good performance. In whatever big or small way you decide to reward us today, we will appreciate it,” Otieno stated.
A similar heartfelt plea was reinforced by club Chairman Ambrose Rachier, who first thanked Ruto for sparing his invaluable time to officially receive the team at his official residence. Rachier then made a humble request for the Head of State to come to the club’s aid as they make their return to the CAF Champions League.
Rachier’s plea
“We want to improve the visibility of this club and get to the top. We did it once, conquering the continent in 1987, and we look to replicate the same success,” Rachier noted, recalling the club’s historic Nelson Mandela Cup victory.
During his State House address, President Ruto acknowledged the gratitude and concerns shared by the club’s representatives. He reiterated his praise for the club, acknowledging the immense role they play in flying the Kenyan flag high.
“I want to congratulate you for what you are doing. Today, Kenya salutes you for the standard of football you have set and continue to achieve,” President Ruto said. “Today we celebrate excellence, consistency, resilience, and the power of teamwork. On behalf of the government and the people of Kenya, I congratulate Gor Mahia for winning the 2025/26 FKF Premier League title.”
